Ahhhh! Accidentally unvaccinated!

Oops....so, it seems that Max is currently overdue on vaccinations. I had thought his shots were due in september, but I recently was going through my files and found that only his rabies is good until sept. and his other vacs were due in GASP February (last week of). Well, I managed to get him a vet appt for tomorrow, so he's set for that. And he is never outside off the leash, so his exposure is limited...he's never been around unvaccinated animals (or any animals other than Sam and Lola) and we don't let him eat stuff off the ground, though he's grabbed the odd thing here and there before we could stop him.....but we don't let him swallow whatever he "finds". We haven't taken him into any body of water. Being that we live in Ontario, and winter is just ending, flea season has only just begun. He has no problems that I can see...eats, drinks, pees and poos normally and appropriately for his size and activity. So, he's probably fine, right? I feel bad putting him at risk like we have, though it was unintentional. I really hope he gets a clean bill of health tomorrow morning! Can anyone ease my mind at all?

Also, is there a way to prep him for the vet? The SPCA told us that he snaps at vets and hates his nails clipped. He isn't a bitey dog, but is a snappy dog....by which I mean, when he's feeling interefered with, he'll turn his head away from you and snap the air, to let you know he's not impressed. We've been working on dominance issues with him, and he's making progress but Rome wasn't built in a day. I passed this on to the receptionist when I made the appointment and she seemed accommodating. Anything I can do to help him feel relaxed during the exam?

There have been studies done on the length that vaccination last, most of them last years longer than they say they do. For instance if done correctly the first time, vaccinating agsinst parvo and distemper will last a lifetime. I believe rabies last for up to five years. So I would'nt panic about being late on Max's annuals. I would reccomend a rabies shot, flea/tick and heartworm meds

As far as the nipping: what kinda dog is Max? how old etc...? I hope you can work out that snapping asap! thats kinda scary. To avoid any incidents at the vet, muzzle him or wrap his leash around his snout while there (not tightly) just wrap it around once as if your were taping his mouth shut.

Ya I agree, vaccinations last years, some a lifetime, vets are the ones who insist on doing it every year. Rabies last years also but that is required yearly by law in some places. I wouldn't worry. I only vaccinate my cats once or twice then I stop. If the cat becomes an outdoor one then I will do it but otherwise don't bother.

That is kinda cute that he snaps in the opposite direction you are in, like he knows not to snap AT you but is just trying to say he doesn't like it too much. My friend's dog did that. It is kind of funny, like they are being polite about it.

So, the vet said he looks very good. A little over weight, but he's been losing since we got him from the SPCA (he gets a lot more exercise with us, I think) and if that continues, he should be down to his optimum weight (which is about 5 more lbs down) in the next 4 to 6 months. He has a little tartar, which I've noticed, but he's not quite at the point where I want to try brushing his teeth. He's getting better about me picking at and grooming him, but I don't want to push my luck too quickly. I sprung for a blood test for heartworm, since I didn't have him last season and don't know what precautions were taken. All total it cost just over $300, which is a lot of money, but certainly not wasted money. I'll feel 100% better when we get the all clear from the tests.
He did well at the vet and only had to be muzzled and restrained for part of the exam (he REALLY doesn't like his rear legs being lifted) and for the vaccinations and blood sample. He was a little upset at the time, but once they let him go, he was fine. I'm glad the vet we chose was not at all put off by having to muzzle and restrain him. It was just a normal exam, I think. And she was fine about examining him on the floor, cuz he would NOT get on that table......I think he remembers it from before.

Originally Posted by Jen

That is kinda cute that he snaps in the opposite direction you are in, like he knows not to snap AT you but is just trying to say he doesn't like it too much. My friend's dog did that. It is kind of funny, like they are being polite about it.

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We find it funny too, but we don't let HIM know that. He's getting better about it, and does it less often now.